IA Internal Pouch

IA Internal Pouch Welcome to the IA Internal Pouch page, for current pouchies and those considering internal pouch surgery.

If you want to join our closed FB group for deeper discussions, come on over to IA Pouch Pals - https://www.facebook.com/groups/180259070327990 IA - Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, is a national charity providing mutual support which has the primary aim of helping people who have had their colon removed. It was started in 1956 by a group of people who had ileostomies themselves, together with some members of the medical profession. It was the first ostomy association in the United Kingdom and is a registered national charity (no. 234472). For a full history of the association visit www.iasupport.org

Certain inflammatory bowel diseases, e.g. Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease, sometimes cause such considerable damage to a person's large intestine (colon) that it becomes necessary for a surgeon to remove it entirely. With a Brooke ileostomy, the lower end of the small intestine (ileum) is brought out through the abdominal wall, and the body's waste matter is collected in an externally attached bag. Alternatively, a patient who has Ulcerative Colitis may be able to choose to have an internal pouch, which involves the construction of a reservoir from a section of the ileum, after removal of the affected colon. Someone who has a pouch does not need to wear an external ileostomy appliance (bag). The Internal Pouch division of IA is chaired by the Pouch Group co-ordinator who serves on the association's Board to represent the interests of members with an internal pouch. It is the responsibility of this person to identify the needs of those members and ensure that IA is meeting those needs.

We are excited to announce that the latest edition of the IA Journal has been finalised and is with the printers. IA mem...
17/11/2025

We are excited to announce that the latest edition of the IA Journal has been finalised and is with the printers.

IA members can look forward to all the usual articles from our experts, such as Sarah Russell, Clinical Exercise Specialist, who discusses the landmark paper published earlier this year about the benefits of exercise specifically for people with colon cancer.

Ana-Maria Toth, Clinical Nurse Researcher, shares her expertise on managing pain through hypnosis.

Sophie Medlin, Consultant Dietitian, explores cooking methods for people with an ileostomy or internal pouch.

Samantha (Wilkinson) Lee shares her advice on navigating job transitions with confidence in her regular Worklife feature.

All of this and so much more is included in the journal.

If you would like to learn more about how you can become a member (from as little as £10-£15 a year), please visit our website here: iasupport.org/get-involved/membership

Leakage or seepage of mucous is a normal part of living with a K**k Pouch (a type of internal pouch).In most cases, this...
12/11/2025

Leakage or seepage of mucous is a normal part of living with a K**k Pouch (a type of internal pouch).

In most cases, this can be managed with a stoma cap or gauze dressing. It's also worth noting that the mucous may be faecally stained or contain a small amount of blood, this is usually nothing to worry about. However, if the leakage becomes profuse, you may need to wear a stoma appliance. If this continues, or if you have any concerns whatsoever, it’s important that you consult with your healthcare team for further advice and support.

Join our IA Internal Pouch Pals Facebook Group to connect with others who have been through similar experiences, or attend one of our Zoom meetings, held every other month, to discuss concerns in a safe and supportive space. Remember, you are not alone, and help is always available.

Trustee Brigitte told us why she wanted to become a Trustee. "I stepped up as Trustee because I wanted to be a voice for...
07/11/2025

Trustee Brigitte told us why she wanted to become a Trustee. "I stepped up as Trustee because I wanted to be a voice for others like myself. Being part of a small, unusual group of patients for whom surgery is elective and not done for a current medical condition gives me insight into a very different experience to most."

"Growing up in a multi-lingual family in an ethnically diverse community is something I am proud of. Being part of a multi-cultural family across many generations I am keen to help develop IA’s ability to reach communities for whom conversations about bowel function are a challenge at best, and often almost impossible."

Brigitte loves her role. “Being a Trustee has brought me joy and challenge in equal measure. I love the many opportunities it has given me to spread the word about IA's support for patients and medics alike. Working to ensure IA remains active and relevant to future generations is a privilege.”

We are incredibly grateful for your steadfast support as a Trustee.

IA is offering an exciting opportunity for a compassionate and experienced Stoma and Pouch Specialist Nurse to help us l...
04/11/2025

IA is offering an exciting opportunity for a compassionate and experienced Stoma and Pouch Specialist Nurse to help us lead and develop our clinical support services to people living with an ileostomy or an internal pouch, family, friends and those interested in our work.

The successful applicant will have been in a similar role for at least 12 months as an experienced Stoma/Pouch Specialist Nurse and qualified to at least (NHS) Band level 6.

As someone who is passionate about helping people who have been through, or are considering life-changing surgery, your empathetic approach, high standards and professionalism, together with your excellent clinical knowledge and experience, will put the patient at the heart of everything that you do.

In addition to direct support through one of our many communications channels, your clinical experience will help us to further our charitable aims, developing additional strategic services supported by our team of staff, trustees and volunteers, many of whom have been through life-changing surgery themselves.

As someone who is flexible in their approach and is prepared to think outside of the box, each day will offer a different challenge.

Whether you are representing IA at external meetings, on various multi-disciplinary committees or advocating for improvements in products and services available to people living with a stoma and internal pouch, your strong voice and stakeholder management skills will represent both the charity and the voice of the patient.

As a hybrid role, the successful applicant is expected to be a self-starter with drive and determination to help us grow our services and develop our patient support model.

In return, IA is offering a salary commensurate with experience, 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, together with a generous benefits package.

For more information, view the job role specification here iasupport.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Stoma-and-Pouch-Care-Specialist-Nurse-JD1.pdf
or email recruitment@iasupport.org.

How to Apply: To apply for this position, please send your CV with a statement of up to 300 words explaining why you believe you are suitable for the role to recruitment@iasupport.org.

One week to go, and it’s not too late to join us! You are invited to Scottish IA Information Day, which takes place next...
01/11/2025

One week to go, and it’s not too late to join us!

You are invited to Scottish IA Information Day, which takes place next Saturday (8th November) in Glasgow.

Connect with others, receive support and learn the latest from healthcare professionals.

> To view the programme, click here: bit.ly/4qzCLgO

> To learn more and reserve your space, click here: bit.ly/4hSi2kx

Lunch and refreshments will be included.

We would love to see you on the day. 💙

And that’s a wrap! We hope you have enjoyed Internal Pouch Awareness Month as much as we have. This month, we have explo...
31/10/2025

And that’s a wrap! We hope you have enjoyed Internal Pouch Awareness Month as much as we have.

This month, we have explored hydration, nutrition, rest, mental health, and movement and heard your inspiring stories about life with an internal pouch.

A huge thank you for supporting us, whether by creating videos, joining the Pouch Pals online meet-up, or simply engaging with our posts. Every contribution makes a difference.

We are committed to supporting those living with an ileostomy or internal pouch, along with their families, friends and carers.

If there’s a topic you would like us to cover, send us a DM. We are here to help.

Here's how we can continue to support you:

> Join our IA Internal Pouch Pals Facebook Group: A UK-based space run by volunteers with internal pouches.

> Watch expert videos: Visit our website and hear from the healthcare professionals from previous Pouch Information Days. pouch.iasupport.org/video-presentations

> Need someone to talk to? Our One2One Support Volunteers and Let’s Talk programme are here for you. Comment below or DM us.

Thank you for being here with us every step of the way. 💙

Join us in Glasgow for a day of learning, connection, and support at the West & Central Scotland IA Information Day. Whe...
29/10/2025

Join us in Glasgow for a day of learning, connection, and support at the West & Central Scotland IA Information Day.

When: Saturday 8th November, 11am–5:30pm
Where: Voco Grand Central Hotel, Victoria & Regent Suite, 99 Gordon Street, Glasgow G1 3SF

The day will be packed with workshops, presentations from guest speakers and attendance by appliance companies.

Speakers include:
- Elaine Paton, Senior Pharmaceutical Advisor, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
- Maria Masnousi, AMI Medical: Benefits and Challenges of Support Garments
- Mr Scott MacDonald, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde: Emergency Stoma Formation
- Miss Abhilasha Patal: Current Trends in Managing Pouchitis (online presentation)
- Rosie Lawson, Life Coach: Creating Calm

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from medical professionals and health and wellbeing specialists, while connecting with others in the community.

Lunch and refreshments will be included. Everybody is welcome to attend.

Register your attendance online by visiting our website here: iasupport.org/scotland25

Do you carry a spare kit when you leave the house? For those with an internal pouch, having essentials like wipes, a wat...
29/10/2025

Do you carry a spare kit when you leave the house?

For those with an internal pouch, having essentials like wipes, a water bottle, and any medications you might need can give you peace of mind and make life easier while you’re out and about.

Staying prepared means that you can focus on enjoying your day without worry.

It’s important to keep exercising post-surgery and for general good health. What’s your favourite music to exercise to?
28/10/2025

It’s important to keep exercising post-surgery and for general good health. What’s your favourite music to exercise to?

Living with an internal pouch comes with its own set of challenges, but when you add the menopause into the mix, life ca...
27/10/2025

Living with an internal pouch comes with its own set of challenges, but when you add the menopause into the mix, life can feel especially tough.

Sarah Russell, IA Clinical Exercise Specialist, reminds us that rather than trying to “push through” and hope to make it to the other side, perimenopause is a time to take stock, seek help and support, and put as much in place as possible to help yourself.

If you are struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help. Speak to your GP, ask for blood tests to rule out other issues, and consider accepting support such as HRT or antidepressants if they’re right for you.

Take a look at your diet to see if you can reduce your sugar intake and increase the amount of fruit you eat (the ones you can tolerate).

If it is safe for you to exercise, staying active is a fantastic way to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and manage tummy fat. Activities like cycling, walking, swimming, dancing, or going to the gym are all excellent options.

Remember, you’re not alone, and there’s always support available.

26/10/2025

Meet Julia, one of our amazing community members.

Julia, 54, has lived with a J-pouch for 24 years after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Initially, she chose to have an ileostomy but later opted for a J-pouch procedure. Since her surgery, Julia has been able to live life to the fullest. She has married, started a family, and continues to enjoy spending quality time with her loved ones. Alongside her work, Julia pursues several hobbies that bring her joy. She has some heartfelt advice for anyone who may be struggling. Julia is part of the admin team in our IA Internal Pouch Pals Facebook Group. She is always happy to support anyone considering an internal pouch, who may be looking for advice, or anyone with an internal pouch who has questions.

If you’d like to join the Facebook group, comment below or send us a DM for the link.

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IA National Office, Danehurst Court, 35-37 West Street
Rochford
SS41BE

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Our Story

IA is a UK registered charity whose primary aim is to help people who have to undergo surgery for the creation of either an ileostomy or an ileoanal pouch.

It was started in 1956 by a group of people who had ileostomies themselves, together with some members of the medical profession. It was the first ostomy association in the United Kingdom and it is a registered charity: 1172338 (England and Wales) and SC048658 (Scotland). For a full history of the association click here.

Certain inflammatory bowel diseases, e.g. ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, sometimes cause such considerable damage to a person's large intestine (colon) that it becomes necessary for a surgeon to remove it entirely.

With a Brooke ileostomy, the lower end of the small intestine (ileum) is brought out through the abdominal wall, and the body's waste matter is collected in an externally attached bag.